Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

What does instant runoff voting do?

Here we talk a lot about instant runoff voting. It's kind of our thing. But why? Today we continue our series on the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting, continuing with increased voter participation. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.

IRV/RCV Increases Voter Participation

There are two ways that IRV/RCV increases voter participation. The first is because it allows for the elimination of runoffs. Runoffs occur two weeks after some elections in South Carolina. They are designed to ensure majority support, but turnout usually drops. IRV/RCV allows voters to fully express their opinions on the candidates by ranking them, so we already know how someone would vote in the event of a runoff. That makes the traditional runoff unnecessary because we capture all the information we need in the regular election (this where the term instant runoff voting comes from). No runoff means no drop in voter participation.

It has also been shown to increase voter participation in general. Though more research is needed, this study in 2024 showed a 17% increase in voter participation. Others have shown an increase in youth turnout and among minority groups. 

People want more choice and more voice. They want cleaner campaigns that focus on problem solving instead of mud slinging. They want bridge builders, not bridge burners.

Let's give the people what they want.

We need instant runoff/ranked choice voting now. Donate today to help make this necessary change in our elections.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Workers of Billionaires: September 1, 11am. This is a great opportunity to spread the word to politically active people. Join fellow supporters in showing future supporters how they can have greater voice in how our government functions.

Statewide Strategy Call: September 23, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

SC Green Party Convention: September 20, 1:30pm. We'll be tabling at the SC Green Party Convention. Let's talk to interested attendees about how IRV/RCV can solve the problem of the spoiler effect and more!

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Tabling at SCUUJA Fall Fest: October 4, 10am. Join BBSC at the SC Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance Fall Festival! There are two shifts. Please sign up today to help spread the positive message of instant runoff voting.

"Ranked choice voting (RCV) continues its steady march across American campuses, with over 100 colleges and universities now using RCV to elect student leaders - representing nearly every state in the country."

(https://expanddem.substack.com/p/best-of-the-expand-democracy-5-young)

More from NYC: Webinar recap from FairVote and an upcoming webinar from Rank The Vote: Friendly Competition: Inside the NYC Mayoral Primary Election

2025 Represent Women's gender Parity Index: Since 2013, Represent Women has been scoring the states on how close they come to parity by gender. See how South Carolina stacks up.

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Postcards

We'll be hand delivering postcards from constituents. Do you want your legislator to know you support IRV or have a group of friends who would like to submit them? Great! Let us know and we'll send them to you.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

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